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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Sweet Pea appeared at our back door shortly after we moved here in 2007. Day after day she faithfully waited for a morsel until we realized that she was going to be a permanent fixture. Hmmm…a female cat rambling around amongst the toms we’d seen. One extra cat is okay but the possibility of many progeny did not thrill us so off to the vet we went. Now she is a good pet although she has a few quirks. She will give kisses, she will be held but only for about 30 seconds, she prefers to be out all day and in at night. The minute you walk toward her she flops on her back to get a belly rub.

And thanks for not noticing that our deck needs a coat or two of paint:)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I’ve been experimenting with stippling today. This is a little piece (about 12”x13”) I put together just for practice. I left the backing large enough to turn into binding if I want. It’s not too bad from a distance, but taking a closer look, there are issues.

The pattern is not uniform throughout. I know it’s supposed to be meandering and all, but this has more of a drunkard’s path look.

This little corner was done early on in the process. I got myself trapped and wandered around aimlessly.

I haven’t decided what quilting I’ll do on the tree. I wanted a little wonkier looking tree but there’s always next time.

The big dilemma was breaking thread. It happened about 10 times and I didn’t get it solved. I changed the needle, rethreaded about 6 times, fussed with the tension and was really careful not to move the piece too fast. Maybe it’s the thread brand. Any ideas out there in blogland?

Overall, it was a positive learning experience. Oh, and the quilting gloves made a big difference even on a little project like this. (Two bucks at Hobby Lobby with the 40% coupon!)Maggie was not impressed with any of it!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Judi, The Green Fairy, says “The giveaway includes a honeybun and the fabric squares that I have already cut and the hourglass blocks all put together. You will have all you need to make the quilt, except for some background fabric and a binding.”

Friday, September 18, 2009

I just discovered this great giveaway that is ending soon. To celebrate “jelly roll week” they’re giving away …what else?..a jelly roll! Even if you’re not sure what you’d do with a jelly roll, they give you lots of ideas in their fun video clips. They’re choosing a winner on September 20, so click on over to The Cutting Table Blog to grab your chance to win!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A while ago I talked about learning to quilt. Since that time I’ve found a lot of tutorials for quilt blocks (a wonderful way to learn) and found so many possibilities for beginners. For some reason, I am attracted to the “Wonky” blocks. I’m not sure what that says about me on an emotional level, but why go there? Anyway, here’s a sampling of my first blocks.
The top two blocks are from the Wonky September Quilt-along at Quilt Dad which somehow got started at Old Red Barn Co. Something about demanding and screaming and begging. (Oh,my.) Both of these blogs are terrific for newbies like me, so thank you!
The Wonky Square in Square. I was so excited to try this I just threw it together. Not a well thought out plan but good practice anyway.
I think this might be my favorite! The Wonky Quarter Log Cabin. Again, I just pulled fabrics from the stash and went for it. It really is more squared up than it looks.
All of the Wonky Stars were made from this tutorial at The Silly BooDilly Blog.
The Red, White and Blue Stars are going to this project over at Crazy Mom Quilts.
This one got a little too wonky I think.
The zigzag block is from this tutorial at Bee Square Blog.
And this little guy was finished into a coaster (yucky pic…sorry). Another Wonky Quarter Log Cabin.
Not a bad start. Baby steps are good.
Many thanks to all those experienced quilters for sharing their skills!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Take one soldier in Iraq, add one really, really good idea and a friendly horde of blogging quilters with stashes of fabric and what do you get? Almost 3000 boxes of sewing supplies in a warehouse with more on the way! Said soldier is now scratching his head in wonderment and contemplating the delivery of these bundles. Check out this video. Oh, and please check out the blog.

A week ago there were only 120 or so boxes in this space. Now there are 2889. The last day to send a box was September 8th. Any predictions on the final total? I'll keep you updated.Once more, a great big fat thank you to Major Art and his really, really good idea!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Etsy has a search feature called "Shop Local" and this week's features are from that search. This is a sampling from the Murfreesboro, TN area which is my current locale. Click on the pictures to go to the listings.

Although Etsy is known to be a handmade marketplace, it's also a place to offer vintage items and supplies for artists and crafters.

If you want, you can see my neglected shop by following the link in the sidebar. It's pitiful really, but I'm having too much fun promoting others and playing with quilt blocks to sew for my shop. (That might be a hint for tomorrow's post!)

Here's an offer for my blog readers. My card holders, eyeglass cases or other small cases are 2 for $8.00! Just convo me before you order and say you read my blog offer! The offer expires at the end of September and doesn't apply to custom orders:)

Monday, September 07, 2009

"Welcome and thanks for looking! This set is professionally and hand cut and is perfect for the classroom, church, home schooling, or for story telling with your children! All sets are made from recycled felt and decorated with glitter fabric paint. I custom make the stories as they are ordered so it can take between 5-10 days to ship. My sets come with the detail you won't find in many of the other flannel board stories out there. I use only the highest quality felt and paints!

This set comes with an Old Lady, fly, spider, bird, cat, dog, goat, cow, horse, and a song card."

"This listing is for one Grow with me interchangeable headband! This is a cool headband that has ribbon in the middle part to hold and hair clippies! This comes with a cute pink flower no slip hair clippie!

This is great so you can utilize any hair clippies and still have them for when your little girl outgrows the headbands!"

"Twilight falls. A magical book begins to glow. Inside, the fairies breathe the flower-scented air, wings flutter, they stretch and emerge from the pages and into the night.

"Let's go!" they call to each other. "Hurry!"

I think this print would be perfect for a girl's bedroom. My prints are made with attention to detail. The inks and papers are archival- made to last at least 75 years. I use an Epson 2400 printer, Epson Ultra chrome K3 inks, and Epson Ultra Premium Matte Paper. I don’t sign, date, or send a print into the world unless it looks perfect."

Your cutiepatootie will be the talk of the town with these precious snack sacks! Shown are Lime green accented with hot pink and white polka dot handles for her and red with race car checkers for him! Name or initials are customized just for you on the lid of each snack sack! Snack Sack Measurements are 6"x5.5"x5.5"

I encourage you to visit these shops and see what other goodies you can find!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

I've been reading Terri's blog for a little while and would like to give her new Etsy shop a little shout. The inspiration for her items is "the outdoors and the gear I use on my adventures". This is not your typical camo sort of outdoor gear, though. The fabrics are gorgeous!